Faith Tourism

Faith Tourism refers to the development and initiation of tourism specifically focused on sites with historic religious significance, whether they are Christian, Jewish, Moslem or Pagan. Our specific interest lies in sites with Biblical significance. Approximately 40% of the New Testament is written to or about places in Turkey. These would include a sizeable portion of the book of Acts, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation. It is also possible that Timothy was in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) when Paul wrote 1 and 2 Timothy. Of special significance in the Old Testament is the mention of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, both of which bordered the Garden of Eden, and both of which have their source in Turkey. Additionally located in Turkey is Harran, where Abraham sojourned and Terah died, and Mount Ararat, the resting place of Noah's Ark.

We are planning to implement four tour options in order to satisfy a wide range of customers.

1) A normal vacation tour would simply involve coming as a tourist, seeing the many wonders Turkey has to offer, and enjoying a relaxing stay at four and five star hotels.

2) Vision casting tours would be ideal for pastors and other church leaders who want to learn more about this wonderful country and its historical sites in order to share in a deeper and more meaningful way with their congregations.

3) Assistance trips would feature normal sightseeing activities as well as provide opportunities to serve the local community.

4) Educational tours would enable a professor of Biblical or Historical Studies to bring student groups and lecture both in facilities provided by our Cultural Center and in some of the relevant sites. Pastors, after having completed a book study or preaching series, could bring members of their congregations for a first-hand glimpse of the places mentioned in the Bible.